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save the date

 Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am   Wednesday 20th May – Tea & Talk: moving from nursery to reception – 8.50am   Thursday 21st May – Year 6 cake and jumble sale – after school   Wednesday 3rd June - Tea & Talk: moving from reception to year 1 – 8.50am   Wednesday 3rd June – Year 6: PGL Information Session – 4pm   Thursday 4th June – Preloved uniform sale – after school   Friday 5th June – EYFS, Year 1 & Year 2 Sports Day – 9.30am – 11am   Friday 17th July – Year 3 & 4 Sports Day – 9.30am – 11am   Friday 17th July – Year 5 & 6 Sports Day – 1.45pm – 3pm

PRINCIPAL MessagE

Dear parents and carers,   Next week, our Year 6 children begin their SATs, and each morning will start gently with breakfast together alongside friends and familiar staff. It’s a lovely way to begin the day—making sure there’s food in their stomachs, time to chat, share a few smiles and settle any nerves before the assessments begin.   The SATs themselves include reading, maths and GPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling), followed by writing moderation, which contributes to their overall outcomes at the end of their primary years. I know that SATs can mean different things to different people, and they often bring a mix of thoughts and feelings.

SATs do play a role in showing how schools are performing, but much more importantly, they are just one small part of each child’s individual journey. They don’t capture everything that makes your child unique, special and capable.   The mention of “Key Stage 2 SATs” can sometimes bring a sense of pressure for children, parents and staff alike. For us, the focus is always on the children’s wellbeing first. When children feel safe, supported and cared for, they are able to flourish and do their best—and that is all we ever ask of them.

Our Year 6 children have shown such a lovely sense of determination this year. They have worked incredibly hard, supported one another and grown in confidence. What has stood out most is their resilience and their developing self-belief—the understanding that it’s okay to find things tricky, and that trying your best truly matters. We are so proud of each and every one of them.   In school, we make time to talk, to listen and to support. We help the children to understand their feelings and give them simple ways to manage worries. This becomes especially important at times like this, and we make sure there are calm moments, reassuring words and familiar routines throughout the week.

Some children are excited and ready for the challenge, while others may need a little extra reassurance—and that’s completely okay. Every child is different, and every experience matters. Mrs Wheeler will, of course, be ready with her much-needed fist bumps, and the team will be there with quiet encouragement, smiles and praise. There is always a real sense of togetherness, and the children support each other in a way that makes us incredibly proud.  

On a personal note, it has been such a privilege to watch these children grow. I have truly loved working closely with them—seeing them learn, play, laugh and develop into the young people they are now. Each of them brings something special, and it has been a joy to be part of their journey.   As we move through this term, there is so much ahead—residentials, transition and end-of-year celebrations—and, as always, it brings a mixture of emotions for us all. It certainly gets me every year.   For now, please enjoy a calm and restful weekend together. Year 6, you have done everything you can—be proud of yourselves. Trust what you know, believe in yourselves, and remember that trying your best is always enough.   Sleep well, take it easy, and we’ll see you on Monday morning for breakfast.

As always, enjoy your family time together.

Mrs Nicholls

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